Brittney Griner found guilty in Russian drug trial, sentenced to 9 years in Russian prison.
Russia detained the WNBA star over five months ago. During her trial today she was found guilty on drug charges in a Moscow-area court. The courts sentenced Brittney Griner to nine years in prison.
The judge found that Griner had criminal intent. Additionally, referring to her as a drug smuggler, storing illegal drugs.
Griner, a 31-year-old Houston native who plays professional basketball for the Phoenix Mercury, was detained on Feb. 17 at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Khimki as she returned to Russia to play during the WNBA’s offseason after she was accused of having vape cartridges containing hashish oil, which is illegal in the country.
Griner initially faced 10 years in prison. Ahead of the trial she apologized to her loved ones for the hurt that her detention has caused. As well as stated, her parents instilled hard work in her and this value is what brought her to Russia.
Many question rather the U.S will now do a prisoner swap with Russia.
But on Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that Moscow is leaning toward rejecting a prisoner swap. However, if they get two Russians in return for the two Americans.
The US has called on Russia to free WNBA player Brittney Griner and former US Marine Paul Whelan, offering to free convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout. Discussions have been stop-start since June, with Moscow reluctant to agree to a deal it sees as unequal, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing confidential matters.
The Houston Texas native has been keeping in contact with her AMerican family as best as possible. She recently held a letter up for media to capture to wish her wife good luck on her bar exam.
